A multi-agency operation targeting human trafficking crimes resulted in two arrests last week, the Woodland Police Department announced Monday.
Conducted last Thursday at a Woodland motel, the sting sought to identify and rescue runaway juveniles who are victims of sexual exploitation, Lt. Aaron Delao said.
In this case, two adult women arrived at the motel separately after making prearranged sexual agreements via social media, Delao said. Both were interviewed and connected with Empower Yolo, a provider of services for sexual assault and domestic violence victims.
“Law enforcement and advocates from Empower Yolo aimed to offer services and an exit path from this lifestyle to adult female prostitutes, as well as to arrest the pimps who often abuse these women and benefit from this criminal activity,” Delao said.
Arrested during Thursday’s operation were Gregory Carvalho, 34, of Sacramento, on a parole violation; and 45-year-old Preston Gray of Vallejo, who faces felony pimping and pandering charges, Delao said. Both were lodged at the Yolo County Jail.
Neither of the women who accompanied them will be charged.
Other agencies participating in the sting were the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, Davis Police Department, West Sacramento Police Department, Yolo County Gang Task Force, Yolo County Sheriff’s Department, Empower Yolo, and human trafficking experts from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the Anaheim Police Department.